Reno man identified in fatal motorcycle accident

A 53-year-old man from Reno who died Friday in a motorcycle accident has been identified as Walter Miller.

He was riding a 2001 Harley Davidson at the tail end of a group of four motorcycles when he lost control and was thrown down a steep hill on State Route 4 about four miles west of State Route 89.

Alpine County Sheriff's Department reported that Miller was wearing a beany type helmet when he rolled off the road, hit his head and came to rest partially in the Carson River.

The group of riders started its trip in Reno and was headed to Angels Camp. Miller had been riding in the back of a group of motorcycle riders reportedly trying to break in the bike he recently purchased.

CHP reported that Miller failed to negotiate a left turn and went off the road. A motorcyclist went to look for the rider after he noticed Miller was not with the group. He found the new Harley on its right side just feet before the steep drop to the river.